Why did jeep cut down on the head room on the WK's from what the WJ's had? I'm assuming it was for aerodynamics, but there is a significant difference between the two...was it necessary to cut down on the headroom that much ?

I'm not going by dimensional facts, but by my experience in driving both generations over long term periods...obviously with the power seat you can position yourself so your head isn't hitting the roof in the WK, but its not nearly as comfortable as the WJ for taller people...

Thank you for your post - we always appreciate getting direct feed back from our customers. We will take it into consideration.

Concerning the interior redesign on the '08 model, can you tell us if there is any chance that some of the new components, like the center bezel, will fit on earlier models? I would even be willing to change out the entire i/p if necessary to get rid of all that plastic that Chrysler seems to love so much!

Can you compare the strength of the front and rear axles to say the D44s in the JK Rubicon? Any thoughts on what spares to carry for the front axle?

The ring gear diameter on the in the JK are 216mm and 226 mm front and rear respectively. The axles in a WK are 200mm and 213mm front/rear. In general the strength of the axle is proportional to the gear diameter so it would be difficult to argue the WK axles compare in strength. However, the WK does not offer a manual transmission so the spike loads go way down when transmitted through the torque converter. The 4x4 WK also shares the load between both axles all the time. In the end the system is very tough. We have done some very aggressive off-roading with no axle breakage.

As for what spare parts to bring... The rear driveshaft is can get banged around pretty good on the rocks. Tires can take a beating, depending on the trail, and sill protection is recommended for serious off-roading.

On the WJ you can retrieve CEL codes vai the key on/off/on/off/on method, is there a reason that you cannot do this on the WK?

Depending on the model year of your WK, this feature is implemented. One useful tip that I like to follow when pulling the codes from the cluster: turn the key to on and wait until the odometer displays, then turn the key off. Repeat this two more times.

IMO the WK is the best off-road capable SUV now available and is a significant improvement over the previous model (despite the SFA issue).

Compared to the previous models the WK offered an extensive list of fairly major changes when it was first introduced. From strictly an engineering standpoint, what feature gave you the greatest challange or sense of satisfaction.

I am a diehard Cubs fan (something you can't help me with) and a fanatical Jeep owner.

I hate to think that the JK is the only live axle Jeep as some of us prefer a wagon like a XJ/WJ and now WK. I know my current idea is a screw loose question, but why couldn't the UpCountry package on the WK be more meaningful like the Rubicon package is to the TJ/JK?

I wish the UC package included a solid front axle in place of the IFS. Not that it is that evil, but someone that buys the Up Country package would understand that the trade-off is a vehicle that is more off-road oriented than street. Then guys like me can buy a CRD WK in UC trim and have a vehicle that meets my preferences.

Any large reason why the uniframe can't be adapted for both scenarios?

A lot of us feel this way too...

The only way we can get this type of package is to have YOU keep asking for it. We don't offer an up-country suspension on any current Jeep model including the Rubicon. For most of our customers, the IFS offers more capability than they will ever need. With the QuadraDrive II system, even fanatical customers have found the IFS to be adequate - what may be lost in articulation is made up for in traction. (Of course we understand that for the most severe rock crawling the SFA is superior.) You can see where the market is though - there are only 4 SFA vehicles available in the US (Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, Mercedes G-wagen, and another brand heavy duty truck )

Concerning the interior redesign on the '08 model, can you tell us if there is any chance that some of the new components, like the center bezel, will fit on earlier models? I would even be willing to change out the entire i/p if necessary to get rid of all that plastic that Chrysler seems to love so much!

This would take a huge committment, undoubtedly in both time and money - obviously you're very dedicated!

None of the basic mounting points have really changed, but this would still be a very complex undertaking due to the integrated nature of all the subsystems integrated into the instrument panel. Be aware that some electronic changes (can't talk about future product ) may make wiring a real challenge.

1. Bring back Inferno Red and/or Patriot Blue! (Current red and blue are too dark)
2. Another call for a more trail-worthy WK! I currently have a ZJ and am looking to upgrade but I'm still on the fence. If a more trail worthy WK existed, I'd already be a WK owner.
3. Redesign spare tire area to accomodate larger tire.
4. Disable TPS in 4 LO (if legally possible)
5. Add accomodations for larger tire sizes in the speedo/ ESP. I know, I know, you can't test everything - but people ARE installing bigger tires on the WK (and JK) and just turning off ESP, which defeats a huge benefit of upgrading from to a WK.

1. Bring back Inferno Red and/or Patriot Blue! (Current red and blue are too dark)
2. Another call for a more trail-worthy WK! I currently have a ZJ and am looking to upgrade but I'm still on the fence. If a more trail worthy WK existed, I'd already be a WK owner.
3. Redesign spare tire area to accomodate larger tire.
4. Disable TPS in 4 LO (if legally possible)
5. Add accomodations for larger tire sizes in the speedo/ ESP. I know, I know, you can't test everything - but people ARE installing bigger tires on the WK (and JK) and just turning off ESP, which defeats a huge benefit of upgrading from to a WK.

Depending on the model year of your WK, this feature is implemented. One useful tip that I like to follow when pulling the codes from the cluster: turn the key to on and wait until the odometer displays, then turn the key off. Repeat this two more times.